Private Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to South Carolina law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to improve litter prevention and enforcement efforts.

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

This grant provides funding to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in Oregon to improve tourism infrastructure and promote inclusivity for underserved communities, boosting the state's visitor industry and local economies.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) has announced a new grant opportunity through its Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils. This initiative is designed to support projects that address the overall health of area youth. The program aligns with the UWWV's mission by investing in the well-being of the community's youngest members, fostering a healthier future for the Wabash Valley. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children aged 6 to 18 (K-12) within the UWWV service area, which includes Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. The impact goal is to improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of these youth. Programs are encouraged to take a holistic approach to health, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can be implemented during the school year, summer 2025, or other out-of-school times. Priority will be given to programs that serve youth in outlying counties (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion in Indiana, and Clark in Illinois), demonstrate strong collaborations and partnerships among organizations, and integrate physical exercise with social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and/or food and nutrition. The focus is on creating comprehensive programs that address multiple facets of youth health. The UWWV's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on youth health and community collaboration. The theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative, holistic programs for youth, the UWWV can contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Expected outcomes include improved mental, behavioral, and physical health among participants, enhanced life skills, and better nutritional habits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, successful applicants would likely be expected to track participant engagement, improvements in health indicators, and the development of key skills. A total of $30,000 in funding is available, with individual applicants eligible to apply for $1,000 to $5,000, to be expended by August 31, 2025. This funding structure allows for a broad range of impactful projects. Eligible applicants include youth-serving organizations, school and civic organizations, businesses, local government entities (e.g., Parks Departments), faith-based organizations, and non-profit health services organizations. A key requirement for counseling, therapy, or life skills services is the provision of evidence that a licensed or certified counselor will perform these services in person, as virtual sessions will not be funded.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is offering grants to organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that support organ and tissue donation and transplantation. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to extend the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation by fostering partnerships and dismantling obstacles that impede access to these life-saving gifts. The Foundation is committed to acknowledging and supporting all individuals affected by donation, ensuring they have access to vital resources. The program aims to address systemic barriers preventing individuals from receiving organ and/or tissue transplants, focusing on equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources. Target beneficiaries include underinsured, vulnerable, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, and those in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for or awaiting a transplant. Impact goals include increasing access to resources, education, family assistance, and research projects, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected. Key priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate equitable access to donation and transplantation resources, consider diversity, equity, and inclusion, and propose innovative educational or assistance methods. The Foundation also maintains a focus on Pancreas research and data collection regarding the benefits of pancreas transplantation. They will support efforts to meet the financial needs of pre- and post-transplant patients, increase living donation, and fund medical and social research through pilot studies or seed grants. Expected outcomes include improved access to donation and transplantation resources for underserved populations, increased awareness and education about donation, enhanced family assistance and grief support, and advancements in transplantation research. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community impact, barrier reduction, and fostering a belief that organ and tissue donation are human gifts that save lives. Their theory of change is that by funding organizations committed to equitable access, innovative education, and critical research, they can positively influence the donation and transplant community, leading to more successful transplants and better support for patients and their families.

The Tillamook Coast Tourism Signage Grant in Oregon aims to support tourism business owners by covering the costs of updated signage, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience. This initiative is made possible by lodging tax revenues collected by Tillamook County since 2013, fulfilling a commitment to use these funds to improve the community. Over $10 million has already been allocated to various tourism-related projects, with an additional $1 million provided in marketing grants to nonprofits and businesses by the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association.

This initiative provides $35,000 grants and mentorship to beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to help them grow their early-stage businesses.

The California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program invites applicants to secure funding for local projects that promote clean air initiatives. While the text does not explicitly state the "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a specific foundation, it clearly outlines the goals and priorities of the Clean Air Day initiative. The program's core mission is to raise awareness of Clean Air Day and encourage actions that contribute to cleaning the air. The target beneficiaries of this program are diverse organizations across California, including cities, counties, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations (including Indigenous Tribes), business organizations (such as chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and business improvement districts), small businesses, and labor unions. The program seeks to engage a broad spectrum of these entities to foster collaborative efforts in improving air quality. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on local projects that occur on or within seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. These projects must demonstrably raise awareness of Clean Air Day and actively contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will lead to cleaner air. Projects are also required to successfully engage at least 100 participants or attendees, emphasizing community involvement and broad impact. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased awareness of clean air issues, tangible contributions to air quality improvement, and significant community engagement as evidenced by participant numbers. The grant funding, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, supports various uses such as supplies for events, marketing expenses, city permit costs, and materials for activities like shovels/tools, giveaways, and educational materials, all geared towards achieving these measurable outcomes. The program encourages collaborative efforts by requiring at least two organizations from different categories to partner on an application, enhancing the potential for diverse and impactful projects.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG), offered by BizRecycling, aims to significantly reduce solid waste generated by eligible schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota. This grant directly aligns with BizRecycling's mission to increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community, support source-specific reduction and reuse, and provide innovative, sustainable solutions to waste problems. It prioritizes managing operations higher on the waste management hierarchy, encompassing waste reduction, reuse, market development, food recovery, composting, and handling hard-to-recycle materials. The target beneficiaries include for-profit businesses, nonprofits, private colleges and universities, places of worship, and specific private and charter schools in Ramsey and Washington counties. Ineligible entities include home-based businesses, all public entities, and residential apartment buildings. The grant's impact goals are centered on increasing waste reduction and recycling, supporting source-specific needs, and providing innovative solutions, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in the amount of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) that businesses create. The grant prioritizes projects demonstrating clear impact through estimated weight in pounds of reduced waste, recycling, or organic material, and innovation through the implementation of new ideas or technologies with clear waste reduction outcomes. Funding information indicates one-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded, requiring a 10% cash match from applicants. Uses of funds are categorized into equipment & materials, construction & infrastructure, research & development, and education & engagement, all designed to support waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in solid waste, the adoption of more sustainable waste management practices, and the development of innovative solutions within the business community. This contributes to the broader strategic priority of fostering a more environmentally responsible business landscape in Ramsey and Washington counties. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support for planning, equipment, supplies, and capital improvements, businesses and organizations will be empowered to implement effective waste reduction strategies, leading to a healthier environment and more sustainable economic practices.

This program provides early-stage companies in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with free mentorship, resources, and support to help them grow and prepare for investment opportunities.

This program provides funding to small and mid-sized food businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to help them expand their market access and improve their operations.

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at [email protected] or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided initiative designed to accelerate emerging Hispanic food and beverage innovations. This program, an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator launched in 2018, is a collaborative effort with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, which is part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda. The overarching mission is to provide both short-term and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses, aligning with PepsiCo's broader strategic priorities of driving growth for Hispanic founders within the food and beverage industry in the U.S. and fostering a positive impact through its PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are up to eight high-potential, emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses operating in the United States, with net-revenues between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in their last financial year. The impact goals are centered on fostering the growth and scalability of these businesses. By providing grants, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship, the program aims to accelerate pathways for these businesses to launch, scale, and grow their breakthrough innovations, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of Hispanic founders. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate a clear go-to-market strategy, are post-prototype and ready for review with a multinational corporation, exhibit uniqueness in the market, and possess balanced gender and ethnic diversity. A strong emphasis is also placed on a clear and active social responsibility mission that aligns with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy and the broader PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The selection committee will also look for scalable business models, indicating the program's focus on long-term sustainability and impact. Expected outcomes include a guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist, with the winner receiving an additional $100,000 USD, providing crucial financial support. Beyond monetary grants, participants are expected to benefit from expert guidance through learning modules across all aspects of business development, hands-on mentorship for refining business models and strategies, and enhanced impact. The program also offers invaluable access and exposure to the extensive PepsiCo network, industry experts, VCs, and investors, as well as the unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo. These measurable results collectively aim to strengthen and expand Hispanic-owned businesses in the food and beverage sector.

Grant Opportunity: BMO Cash Bonus for Opening Checking and Money Market Accounts BMO is offering a limited-time grant opportunity for organizations of all types across the USA. This grant provides cash bonuses for opening new checking and money market accounts. The grant is open from September 18, 2023, to December 8, 2023. For the checking account grant opportunity, there are three options available: Smart Advantage Checking, Smart Money Checking, and Relationship Checking. Each account offers a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days. The Relationship Checking account offers a higher cash bonus of $600 when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days. Additionally, by opening a Relationship Plus Money Market account and maintaining a certain balance, you can earn up to an additional $3,500 cash bonus. To qualify for this bonus, you must deposit $25,000 or more of new money into the account within 30 days of opening. The cash bonus amount depends on the balance maintained between Day 31 and Day 120. Please note that eligibility requirements apply and accounts must be opened between September 18, 2023, and December 8, 2023. Offers can be changed or canceled without notice at any time.

This program provides funding to organizations that support innovative initiatives aimed at empowering under-served entrepreneurs in North Carolina, particularly those in rural areas, women, and minorities.

This grant provides financial support to U.S.-based for-profit businesses with at least one Latino/x founder, celebrating their contributions and fostering economic growth within the Latino/x community.

This program provides financial support to small-scale, sustainable farms in metro Atlanta to improve their operations and enhance their contributions to the local food system.

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), is designed to combat and prevent illegal dumping on agricultural properties across California. This program aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and resource recovery by directly addressing waste management issues in rural areas. By providing financial assistance, the program supports the cleanup of existing waste and establishes preventative measures to protect farmlands and ranches from future illegal dumping, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of California's agricultural sector. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are cities, counties, resource conservation districts, and federally recognized tribes that can apply on behalf of farm or ranch property owners. The impact goals are to reduce environmental blight, prevent pollution, and promote responsible waste disposal practices in agricultural communities. The program targets properties that are appropriately zoned or authorized for agricultural activities, regardless of active sales or production, and includes appurtenant easements like public roads and utilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural waste management. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to provide funding for both cleanup and abatement efforts. This includes the removal of existing illegal dump sites and the implementation of strategies to deter future dumping. The grant emphasizes practical, on-the-ground solutions for waste management, recognizing the unique challenges faced by farm and ranch properties. This focus contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces public health risks associated with illegal dumping, and supports the economic viability of agricultural lands by preserving their natural integrity. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number and size of illegal dump sites on agricultural properties, as well as an increase in awareness and adoption of legal waste disposal methods. The program has substantial funding, with $1,000,000 available each fiscal year, and a maximum of $200,000 per applicant per fiscal year, with $50,000 being the maximum for each cleanup site. These financial incentives are designed to encourage broad participation and achieve significant results in waste abatement. CalRecycle's strategic priorities, reflected in this grant, revolve around fostering a circular economy and protecting California's natural resources. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance and promoting community-level engagement, the program can effectively mitigate the problem of illegal dumping. This, in turn, leads to healthier ecosystems, supports agricultural productivity, and enhances the quality of life for residents in rural areas, ultimately contributing to California's environmental and economic resilience.

The DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award, presented by The Fund for Williamstown, seeks to identify and honor innovative approaches that address community challenges and enhance life within Williamstown. This award is specifically designed to recognize organizations, institutions, businesses, or individuals who introduce new programs or methods that are not currently present in the community. The core mission of the Fund for Williamstown, as evidenced by this award, is to foster creativity and new solutions for local issues, aligning with a strategic priority to support community-driven progress and enhance local well-being through inventive means. The primary beneficiaries of this award are those who are actively passionate about solving community challenges in Williamstown, Massachusetts, through innovative practices. This includes a broad spectrum of entities such as organizations, institutions, businesses, and individuals. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate the creation and implementation of programs that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, ultimately resulting in significant positive community impact. The award implicitly supports the development of non-traditional solutions that bring about tangible improvements in the quality of life within Williamstown. The award prioritizes and focuses on innovation and creativity in addressing community needs. It seeks out initiatives that represent new approaches to existing problems or introduce entirely new ways of enriching community life. The emphasis is on programs that currently do not exist in Williamstown, promoting the introduction of novel concepts rather than the continuation of established ones. The Fund for Williamstown's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by recognizing and financially supporting innovative endeavors, they can catalyze positive change, empower local innovators, and foster a more vibrant and responsive community. The expected outcomes of the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award include the identification and recognition of groundbreaking work within Williamstown, the provision of financial support ($1,000) to further these innovative initiatives, and ultimately, a measurable enhancement in community life and problem-solving capabilities. While specific metrics for "significant community impact" are not detailed, the award's focus on programs that address challenges and enhance life implies outcomes such as improved social cohesion, increased access to services, or the development of more sustainable community practices, all driven by the innovative work of the recipients.

Grant Opportunity: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) Funding Organization: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. Contact Information: - Email: [email protected] Award Details: Toyota partners with nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to support programs in various areas, including education, inclusive mobility, community resilience, health and human services, arts and culture, and civic and community. The organization prefers to support program-based requests but may also consider fundraising activities where most of the proceeds go directly to the organization. Funding requests should benefit a large number of people, offer participation in local educational programs, have clear and measurable goals, establish means for evaluation and reporting, provide leadership and development programs, target youth, and include financial commitments from other funding organizations. Toyota does not fund organizations that discriminate or requests from individuals, political organizations, fraternal organizations, churches, labor organizations, non-charitable organizations, athletic organizations or sports teams, individual and/or private schools, or requests covering institutional expenses or deficits. The geographic scope includes specific counties in West Virginia, with limited consideration for statewide programs and additional counties where Toyota team members live. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations that meet the geographic and funding missions of Toyota, as well as the general limitations mentioned above, are eligible to apply. Application Deadlines: - May 1st (Notification in July) - October 1st (Notification in February) Application Process: Interested organizations can apply for funding using Toyota's online tool. For resuming an application that was started earlier, applicants can email [email protected]. Apply for a Grant: [Link to Application] (https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=7170&x_quiz_id=8520&x_order_by=1) Resume Application: [Link to Resume Application] (https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=7170&x_proposal_type_id=52178)